Legislative direction

ENACTING LEGISLATION

An act relating to water management; creating the Harris Chain of Lakes Restoration Council; providing for membership, powers, and duties; providing for a report to the Legislature; providing for an advisory group to the council; requiring the St. Johns River Water Management District to provide staff for the council; providing for award of contracts subject to an appropriation of funds; providing for a Harris Chain of Lakes restoration program; providing for a demonstration restoration project; providing an effective date.

WHEREAS, the waterways of Lake County are of historic, hydrological, and ecological significance, and

WHEREAS, most of these Lake County waterways are Outstanding Florida Waterways, and

WHEREAS, the Lake County waterways are plagued by toxic algae sedimentation, and excessive growth of aquatic plants, which are degrading their water quality and recreational value, and

WHEREAS, despite their current problems, the Lake County waterways continue to provide wildlife habitat for fish, birds, and game and offer recreational opportunities for the residents of Lake County and visitors to the area, and

WHEREAS, the renewable economic potential of the Lake County waterways is significant, and

WHEREAS, the St. Johns River Water Management District, the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, the Lake County Water Authority along with other state, regional, and local entities, have developed proposals to restore portions of the Harris Chain of Lakes, NOW, THEREFORE,

Be It Enacted by the Legislature of the State of Florida:

Section 1. Chapter 373.467, F.S. – The Harris Chain of Lakes Restoration Council.
There is created within the St. Johns River Water Management District, with assistance from the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and the Lake County Water Authority, the Harris Chain of Lakes Restoration Council.

Section 3. The Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is authorized to conduct a demonstration restoration project on the Harris Chain of Lakes for the purpose of creating better habitat for fish and wildlife.

Section 4. This act shall take effect upon becoming a law.

Approved by the Governor June 15, 2001.
Filed in Office Secretary of State June 15, 2001.LAWS OF FLORIDA Ch. 2001-246 F.S. including Chs. 373.467 and 373.468 F.S.